4 unusual books tackle your public-speaking fears

Fed up with breathing exercises and self-hypnosis to develop inner peace? Then turn to these four books, says this speaking expert.

Ragan Insider Premium Content
Ragan Insider Content

Untitled Document Untitled Document

Loads of books target public-speaking fear head-on. I like a slightly different, off-center method, without the usual suspects. I share three books with clients who are nervous, anxious, or fearful of public speaking, along with a fourth option:

1. “Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking” is a book I was given when learning to make art. Like other forms of performance, making art requires you be brave enough to express yourself, then show that to one person, then get useful critique from a teacher or peer, then put it on public display, then charge for it. Each step has its perils and rewards … don’t they sound like what speakers do? A great short read.

To read the full story, log in.
Become a Ragan Insider member to read this article and all other archived content.
Sign up today

Already a member? Log in here.
Learn more about Ragan Insider.